Months-old flamingo, harbor seal die from bird flu at Lincoln Park Zoo
CHICAGO - A Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal at Lincoln Park Zoo have died from avian influenza, or bird flu, zoo officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Zoo visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease at the zoo, but extra precautions for the animals are being taken.
Two Fatal Cases of Bird Flu
What we know:
The flamingo, named Teal, was only a few months old, while the harbor seal, Slater, was 7 years old and known for his playful and inquisitive nature.
Teal was just getting acquainted with her flock and zookeepers when she passed away.
Slater was described by zoo officials as a "beloved seal known for his rambunctious and curious nature."
Slater was also remembered as being a quick learner and took part in training sessions with zookeepers frequently.
Slater on the left, and Teal is one of the flamingo chicks on the right | LPZ
What we don't know:
The source of the bird flu exposure to the flamingo and seal are unknown, but zoo officials said it is "near certain" that the cause is from contact with a waterfowl who was infected with the illness.
According to the CDC, the disease is spread through saliva, nasal secretions and feces of infected birds.
Visitors at the zoo are not at risk of contracting the disease from Lincoln Park animals, the zoo said.
What they're saying:
"This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals," said Lester E. Fisher, director of veterinary services and Dr. Kathryn Gamble, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dip. ECZM. "While highly pathogenic avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in free-ranging waterfowl, more mammal species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI since 2022."
"Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors," said President & CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross, Ph.D. "The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care."
"Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important for our community at large," said Director of the Urban Wildlife Institute Seth Magle, Ph.D. "To protect yourself, do not handle wildlife. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leash away from wildlife."
What's next:
The zoo had been monitoring for cases of bird flu prior to these test results.
As part of the zoo's HPAI Response Plan, the zoo would take measures that include "additional personal protective equipment, removing opportunities for cross contamination between species, and focused monitoring for changes in individual animal health or behavior."
To protect other animals at the zoo, staff members will keep some birds behind the scenes and the McCormick Bird House will be closed until further notice.